Manager, Northeast Fisheries

~ Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has found innovative ways to solve big environmental problems. Guided by science and economics, our mission is to preserve the natural systems on which all life depends. ~

For over a decade, EDF has worked to promote and implement ecological and economic improvements in fishery management around the country. The Oceans Program works to find constructive solutions to the most critical problems threatening the world's marine environments. Our Oceans Program focuses on safeguarding marine ecosystems and fisheries in the North and South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific, Gulf of California and the Caribbean. 

Position Overview 

We are now seeking a Manager, Northeast Fisheries will manage, coordinate, and implement our fisheries management reform strategy in the U.S. Northeast. The Manager, Northeast will be based in our Boston, MA office and will report to the Oceans Program's Northeast Regional Director. 

Responsibilities 

The Manager, Northeast Fisheries will perform the following and other duties as assigned:

• Manage the day-to-day Oceans Program operations in Northeast.
• Work closely with key stakeholders, including commercial watermen, federal and state officials, fisheries managers, scientists, elected officials, media, NGOs, and any other interested parties to effectively and efficiently coordinate comprehensive fisheries management reform in strategic fisheries in the Northeast.
• Develop and implement strategies and tactics for successful program development, implementation and/or execution. This includes researching and marshalling human resources and fiscal assets, developing external partnerships, using media and outreach materials, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and identifying and developing key fishermen and stakeholder supporters.
• Develop, oversee and conduct fishermen and stakeholder outreach and engagement, including workshops, leadership trainings, media and communications training and outreach.
• Oversee research and analysis to identify solutions to project goals, including analyzing information from a variety of internal and external sources.
• Serve on federal and state advisory panels and committees key to advancing sound fisheries management in the region, as needed.
• Work with our Director of Spatial & Ecosystem Initiatives to develop and implement science and policy strategies for responding to climate change and its effects on the marine ecosystem.
• Supervise outside consultants to advance our regional objectives and strategy.
• Engage in fundraising support activities as needed, and collaborate on proposals and reports required by grantors or other requesting parties.
• Coordinate regional public policy advocacy and communications with the Northeast Regional Director and EDF policy and communications staff based in DC and other regional offices.
• Build effective coalitions of diverse organizations based both within and outside the Northeast region to better achieve results.
• Stay abreast of new developments in fisheries management and market development.
• Write a variety of documents for public consumption including publications, fact sheets, press releases, blog posts, and op-eds.
• Undertake and complete special projects as assigned by the Northeast Regional Director. 

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications:

• Advanced degree in marine biology, public or environmental policy or related field required.
• A minimum of eight years of experience in natural resource management, public policy, government relations and/or non-profit advocacy required. Environmental policy experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of federal and state ocean conservation laws and regulations, and policy making processes.
• Demonstrable analytic skills and ability to perform rigorous analysis in support of highly visible work.
• Ability to garner consensus between disparate groups with conflicting priorities.
• Ability to recognize and build on market and strategic opportunities for progress.
• A self-starter with the ability to think strategically and the initiative to work in a small regional office while effectively functioning as part of a larger program team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with immediate and long-term deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively with nonprofit colleagues and partners, scientists and economists, industry leaders, regulators and public policy decision makers.
• Excellent written and presentation skills required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Internet required
• Frequent travel throughout the U.S. Northeast, particularly New England, is required.